Apple Chicken Casserole
A comforting apple chicken casserole blending tender chicken, sweet apples, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners with savory and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- dash pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped Golden Delicious apples ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds toasted (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute green pepper in margarine; reduce heat.
- Blend in flour and seasonings.
- Gradually add milk, cook until thickened.
- Add 1 cup cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in chopped apples, rice, and chicken.
- Spoon into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese; garnish with apple slices and toasted almonds, if desired.
- Continue baking until cheese is completely melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, ensure the milk is added gradually while stirring to avoid lumps. If you want to reduce calories, consider using low-fat cheese or replacing some of the rice with cauliflower rice. You can also substitute the Golden Delicious apples with Granny Smith for a tart flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh apple slices and toasted almonds for added crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a mixed greens salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or biscuits, which can complement the creamy texture of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Apple Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Chicken Casserole contains roughly 1149 calories, with 18g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 852mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Is it okay to use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other varieties like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and will add a delicious flavor to the casserole. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).